Voters’ Pamphlet Information: Children and Family Services Center Capital Levy

King County Local Voters' Pamphlet

August 7, 2012 Primary And Special Election

King County

Simple Majority (RCW 84.55.050)

Proposition No. 1 -- Children and Family Services Center Capital Levy

• The King County council passed Ordinance No. 17304 concerning a replacement facility for juvenile justice and family law services. This proposition would authorize King County to levy an additional property tax for nine years to fund capital costs to replace the Children and Family Justice Center, which serves the justice needs of children and families. It would authorize King County to levy an additional regular property tax of $0.07 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2013. Increases in the following eight years would be subject to the limitations in chapter 84.55 RCW, all as provided in Ordinance No. 17304.

• Should this proposition be:

Approved __

Rejected  ___

 EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

• If approved by voters, Proposition 1 would authorize King County to levy an additional regular property tax to fund the capital costs of replacing and expanding the Children and Family Justice Center located at 12th Avenue and East Alder Street in Seattle. The levy would be authorized for a nine-year period with collection beginning in 2013. In the first year, the levy rate would be equal to or less than seven cents ($0.07) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation on all taxable property within King County. Annual increases for collection years 2014 through 2021 would be governed by chapter 84.55 RCW, which limits the growth of the levy amount to 1% per year.

• The Children and Family Justice Center Replacement Project includes a series of capital projects to design, remodel, construct, and equip facilities for juvenile justice and family law services. Capital projects include replacement of the Alder wing, Alder tower, detention facilities, and associated parking facilities. Levy funds may be used only for capital costs and incidental costs, including those related to the sale, issuance and delivery of bonds. Levy funds may not be used for the costs of maintenance and operations of the facilities.

Statement For

Vote YES on Prop 1: YES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

• The Children and Family Justice Center (“CFJC”) is where children and families go in times of crisis: child abuse and neglect; foster care transition; complex custody issues; juvenile offenses and truancy cases.

• A growing population and economic difficulties mean more kids and families need care and protection, but current facilities are dangerously outdated and failing our children. Brown water flows from drinking fountains, entire sections are unusable, and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are beyond repair.  Financial reviews state that replacement—not temporary fixes—is the least expensive long-term solution.

• Despite decrepit conditions, our court is leading in innovations for juvenile and family justice.  The new CFJC will better serve families and child advocates by co-locating services like medical treatment, counseling, and placement.  The new design will improve safety, privacy and dignity.  Combining services will save millions in duplicative service providers and offices.

• We cannot wait any longer.  For less than $25/year for an average household—less than 50¢/week—we can give hope to at risk kids and families.  A unanimous County Council, Dow Constantine, the Kent and Auburn Mayors, and Bellevue Reporter agree - vote YES on Prop 1.

Statement submitted by: John McKay, Bobbe J. Bridge, and Estella Ortega

Statement Against

• Anyone aspiring to become a homeowner should consider whether property taxes now are so high that such ownership is problematic.The King County Council nevertheless believes it needs more, not less, revenue during difficult economic times and this request is its latest salvo in class warfare waged for the benefit of renters and the homeless, demographics relatively unaffected by property tax increases. Again, the Council has declined to propose a sales tax increase, opting instead for the property tax increase it's confident will pass because homeowners constitute less than half of registered voters. Further, since the Council is indebted to public service unions for the support which re-elects its members, there's been no action to reassign any governmental service to the private

Statement submitted by: John H. Shackleford

Rebuttal of Statement Against

All nine members of the non-partisan King County Council voted unanimously to send Prop. 1 to the voters.  Public Safety and protecting kids are NOT partisan issues.  A new building will end wasteful repairs and provide efficient, compassionate service delivery—saving money and lives.  Children and families in King County deserve our support.  Join with Prosecutor Dan Satterburg, Presiding Judge Richard McDermott, former Justice Bobbe Bridge and many more and VOTE YES for Prop. 1.

Statement submitted by: John McKay, Bobbe J. Bridge, and Estella Ortega

Rebuttal Of Statement For

Many homeowners already are struggling to meet financial obligations and don't need another property tax increase but the Council is saying "yes" to public employee unions and "no" to property tax relief. Don't be fooled: if the Council privatized some services now provided by county government, revenue for capital improvements would be available. If voters continue approving these levies, there'll be more spending initiatives and more Council demands for additional revenue to fund them.

Statement submitted by: John H. Shackleford